Pakistani film ‘Chain Aye Na’ premiered in Washington area this month – a fantastical love story coming true in a traditional manner but also filled with moments of laughter and lively performance by a new cast.
Topping the mix of comedy, laughter, romance, drama, and even some satire and social commentary was the excitement around first silver screen appearance of Sarish Khan, a prominent Pakistani-American, who is an attorney and also champions human causes.
Sarish starred with Shahroz Sabzwari, an upcoming actor, and son of popular TV and film star Behroz Sabzwari.
For Sarish, the local girl, the film is a dream-come-true moment. Thanks to a robust social media campaign in her circle of friends, the premiere of reputed director Syed Noor’s production generated a lot of enthusiasm.
The premiere attracted people from all over the area as Pakistani-American families braved a rainy evening to watch the film at Regal Cinema in Sterling, Va. The title of the Urdu movie “Chain Aye Na” sums up the restlessness of a crazy lover.
“It was surreal watching my film at #regalcinema – a theater I’ve visited many times to watch various #Bollywoodand #Hollywood films – this, in it of itself, feels like a huge accomplishment. I’m humbled by the love and appreciation of my community,” Sarish later said in a post to her followers.
Although the production could not maintain a good quality through to the ending – with several scenes clearly done in haste and without much creative thinking – it did offer Sarish an opportunity to perform in different moods – from acting in flirtatious moments to being a realist and pragmatist young beauty, unimpressed by her naive lover, to a girl angrily trying to rouse her lover out of his fanciful world. More importantly, Sarish finally got some moments to act romantically, when her lover’s madness turns the cruel world of wealth and power topsy turvy and leads to their union.
A quality movie, it is said, is essentially the result of creative team work. Seen from that perspective, the film merits mixed reviews.
But individually Sarish, who is grand daughter of legendary Pakistani actress Sabiha Khanum, can savor her moments of brilliance from her performance in varying moods.
Actor Sabzwari also did quite well, as the crazy lover exposed himself to a world of stark discrimination, politics and cruelty – in the process showing his talent.
However, it was Adil Murad who probably gave the best performance in his role as a villain, son of an influential politician, whose conduct ultimately turns out to be the enabler of the improbable dream of marriage between the lover and his love.
The premiere received a warm reception generally. Sarish and Sabzwari won accolades despite some unexpected flaws in the production including some incompatible choices of actors.
Considering this was Sarish Khan’s debut film, her effort has received tremendous encouragement and applause. Going forward, the enthusiastic girl promises to do better and carve out a place in the Pakistani cinema.
As for the overall production, it is another reminder that the Pakistani film industry still has much to do to rise to higher international standards.
